Compound air register of one piece construction

ABSTRACT

A compound air register of one-piece molded plastic construction, in preferred form of molded polypropolene, including integrally connected frame members one being pivotally folded within the other, the respective frame members each including a plurality of vanes forming a vane set integrally molded therewith and capable of pivotal movement relative thereto. The vanes in the one frame vane set rotate about an axis normal to the axis of rotation of the vanes in the other frame vane set. When folded together the vanes in the one frame vane set are positioned normal to the vanes in the other frame vane set controlling the flow of air in both vertical and horizontal planes. Actuating means are also molded integral with the respective pluralities of vanes so that they may be rotated in unison as desired.

United States Patent [1 1 Fruth [451 Dec. 25, 1973 COMPOUND AIR REGISTEROF ONE PIECE CONSTRUCTION [75] Inventor: Jonathan N. Fruth, Kokomo, Ind.

[73] Assignee: General Motors Corporation,

Detroit, Mich.

[22] Filed: July 18, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 272,993

[52] US. Cl. 98/110, 98/121 [51] Int. Cl F24f 13/08 [58] Field of Search98/40 VM, 110, 121

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,182,579 5/1965 Wiseman98/40 VM 3,500,739 3/1970 Dry 98/110 3,509,613 5/1970 Koenig 98/40 VM3,552,295 l/l97l Armstrong 98/110 Primary Examiner-Meyer PerlinAssistant Examiner-Ronald C. Capossela AttorneyFrank J. Soucek et a].

[5 7 ABSTRACT A compound air register of one-piece molded plasticconstruction, in preferred form of molded polypropolene, includingintegraly connected frame members one being pivotally folded within theother, the respective frame members each including a plurality of vanesforming a vane set integrally molded therewith and capable of pivotalmovement relative thereto. The vanes in the one frame vane set rotateabout an axis normal to the axis of rotation of the vanes in the otherframe vane set. When folded together the vanes in the one frame vane setare positioned normal to the vanes in the other frame vane setcontrolling the flow of air in both vertical and horizontal planes.Actuating means are also molded integral with the respective,pluralities of vanes so that they may be rotated in unison as desired.

3 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures COMPOUND AIR REGISTER OF ONE PIECECONSTRUGTION The present invention relates to a compound air registercapable of controlling flow of air in both vertical and horizontalplanes. More specifically, the present invention pertains to such acompound air register of one piece molded plastic construction whereintwo frames, each containing a plurality ofintegrally molded pivotalvanes, are molded with an integral hinge connection providing forfolding one of the frames within the other forming a compound unit.

Assembly of air registers providing control of air flow in both verticaland horizontal planes usually involves the association of severalseparate elements requiring a plurality of assembly steps to provide thefinished product. For example, assembly of a plurality of pivotallymounted vanes in a single frame for operation in unison has requiredmanufacturing and assembly costly procedures. The subject inventionovercomes these difficulties by providing an integral molded plasticassembly, preferably composed of polypropylene, including two frameshinged together for folding one frame within the other. Each frameincludes a plurality of integrally hinged vanes forming a vane setcapable of pivoting relative to the frame, the vanes in one frame beingdisposed normal to the those in the other frame for controlling air flowthrough the register in vertical and horizontal planes. An actuatingmember is also integrally molded to each vane in the respectivepluralities of vanes for manual movement of the vanes in unison forselective direction of the air flow. The respective vane sets, throughtheir actuating means, are capable of separate actuation to direct theflow of air in one plane independent of the direction of flow in theother plane. When the frames are folded together, the vane sets arejuxtaposed forming a relatively compact compound air register.

The compound air register of the subject invention is preferablycomposed of polypropylene because of its ability to flex in thincross-sections as a hinge and is relatively stiff inthickercross-sections for providing a framework. Of course, it will beunderstood that other suitable plastic materials having the ability toflex in thin sections while being relatively stiff in thicker sectionscould be used to form the subject air register.

A primary object of the present invention is the provision of aone-piece molded plastic compound air register formed as an integralunit while being capable of directing air in two planes.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a compoundair register including two frame members hinged together by a webportion for folding one frame member within the other, each frame membercontaining a plurality of pivotal vanes in a vane set with manualactuating means for each vane set, the entire unit being of one-piececonstruction of molded polypropylene.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a compoundair register including two frame members hinged together by a webportion for folding one frame member within the other frame member, eachframe member including oppositely aligned in wardly extending hingeblocks connecting with a web hinge portion that in turn connects with avane so that a plurality of vanes are capable of pivotal movement withinand relative to their respective frames when a respective actuatingmember connected to the vanes in each frame is moved, the entireregister being of integral molded polypropylene construction.

The novel features which I believe to be characteristic of my inventionare set forth with particularity in the appended claims. My inventionitself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation,may be best understood by reference to the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a compound air register constructed inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on line 22 of FIG. 1 showing theintegrally molded frame members of the subject air register in a foldedposition.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on line 3-3 of FIG.1.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view of the frames of the subject air registerin an unfolded position illustrating the integrally molded pivotalconnections of the vanes to the frames and the hinge connection betweenthe frames.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on line 5-5of FIG. 1 showing a pivotal connection between a vane and a framemember.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view illustratingmeans for securing the frames together when moved to a folded position.

Referring now to FIG. I, a compound air register 10 constructed inaccordance with the subject invention includes an outer frame 12 havingan inner frame 14 folded therein. The outer frame 12 consists of sideportions 16 and end portions 18, the latter having mounting brackets 20extending therefrom. The frame 12 contains a plurality of vanes 22 whilethe inner frame 14 contains a plurality of vanes 24 that extend in adirection normal to that of the vanes 22. The side portions 16 of outerframe 12 include a plurality of integrally attached spaced oppositelyaligned and inwardly extending projections or hinge blocks 26.Respective ends of the vanes 22 are connected to the hinge blocks 26 viaintegral reduced web portions acting as hinges as will be laterdescribed in detail. A gang bar 28 including a handle 30 is connected toan upper edge of each of the vanes 22 for manual pivoting of the vanesin unison. Likewise the vanes 24 are capable of movement in unison whena handle 32, integrally connected to a gang bar 34, is actuated.

With reference to FIG. 4, the inner frame 14 includes end portions 36and 38 and side portions 40. End portion 36 includes integral inwardlyextending hinge blocks 42 positioned to support one end of each of thealigned vanes 24, while the end portion 38 includes a first inwardlyextending hinge block 44 pivotally supporting end 46 of a modified vane48 which in turn connects with a hinge block 50 integral with gang bar34. The end portion 38 also includes a second inwardly extending hingeblock 50 which is connected with a short link 52 that in turn connectswith a hinge block 54 secured to gang bar 34. The gang bar 34 has aplurality of inwardly extending hinge blocks 56 which connect withrespective ends of vanes 24 through respective web portions as shown.The vanes 24 include a series of spaced V notches 58 for a purpose laterdescribed.

The outer frame 12 includes relieved portions 60 which terminate inshoulders 62, best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, for receipt of theinner frame 14 when it is folded about integral hinge 64. As previouslymentioned, the vanes 22 pivotally mounted within outer frame 12 areintegral with hinge blocks 26, the pivotal connection being provided bya reduced web portion 66 which islikewise provided between the hingeblocks 42 and the vanes 24 in inner frame 14. The hinge web portions 66are also provided between the inwardly extending hinge blocks 44 and 50integrally connected with end portion 38 of the inner frame. Also thehinge blocks 56 which are integral with gang bar 34 are connected to thevanes 24 through a web portion 66 for relative pivotal movementtherebetween. The outer frame 12 includes a plate 68 having notches 70in one edge thereof and contains a rectangular aperture 72 whichreceives handle 32 providing for actuation of vanes 24 when the innerframe 14 is folded within the outer frame 12 and the handle 32 extendsthrough the aperture 72. The notches 70 each receive a friction wheel 74secured to an end vane 22 of the vane set so that the wheels engagesurfaces of the plate and frictionally retain the vanes 22 in anyadjusted position. The vanes 22 in the outer frame 12 also contain aseries of V notches 76 similar to the notches 58 in the vanes Withreference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the frames 12 and 14 are shown moved totheir folded positions after being initially molded open as in FIG. 4.In the folded position, inner frame 14 engages stop shoulder 62 in theframe 12. The upper surfaces of vanes 24 and their notches 58 engage thealigned notches 76 in the vanes 22. Likewise the bottom edges of vanes22 engage the aligned notches 58 in the vanes 24 providing respectivepivot points as shown. The vanes 22 include reduced web portions 78providing a hinge connection between the vanes and gang bar 28 so thatthere is relative movement between the vanes and the gang bar when thevanes are rotated by movement of handle 30.

A typical-web portion 66 forming a hinge is shown in FIG. wherein a vane22 is illustrated being connected to hinge block 26 in an exploded view.A previously indicated, polypropylene is a preferred material forconstruction of the one-piece molded air register because of itscharacteristics of being flexible when configured in thin cross-sectionswhile yet providing a relatively stiff member when provided in thickercross-sections. Of course, it is appreciated that any plastic materialcould be used to form this one-piece unit as long as the aforementionedability to be flexible when formed in relatively thin sections resultswhile the material remains relatively stiff when produced in thickersections.

The inner frame 14 is retained within outer frame 12 by virtue of anotched area 80 receiving a barbed lug 82 formed integral with endportion 18 of the outer frame 12. While a particular means of securingthe inner frame within the outer frame has been shown, it

is apparent that any known means could be used to retain the frames in afolded position providing the assembled unit.

It is significant that this invention does provide an air registercapable of directing flow of air in both vertical and horizontal planeswhile being composed of a single molded unit. The one-piececonstruction, of course, is possible due to the characteristics of theparticular material used. Polypropylene is particularly suitable for theconstruction of the subject air register in that it is a relativelytough material when formed in relatively thick configurations while yethaving the characteristic of being very flexible whenformedin thinsections. These thin sections, such as the web portions 66, 78 and therelative larger web portion 64 forming the hinge between the frames 12and 14, provide for the necessary relative movement between thecomponents to assemble the unit and subsequently position the vanes inunison by movement of handle 30 or handle 32 as desired to selectivelydirect the flow of air in separate planes through the register 10.

While a preferred embodiment of the subject invention has been describedfor purposes of illustration only, such description is not intended tolimit the scope of the invention except as requiredby the followingappended claims.

1 claim:

1. A compound air register of one piece molded plastic materialconstruction of the type controlling the flow of air in both verticaland horizontal planes comprising: a first frame member including sideand end portions; a plurality of oppositely aligned means on the sideportions of said first frame member; a plurality of vanes integrallymolded between said side members forming a vane set; a plurality offlexible plastic web portions connecting respective vanes to saidaligned means forming a hinge connection therebetween; means attached toeach of said vanes for manually rotating the plurality of vanes inunison on said hinge connections relative to said first frame about afirst axis; a second frame member including side and end portions; aplurality of oppositely aligned means on the end portions of said secondframe member; a plurality of vanes integrally molded between said endmembers also forming a vane set; a plurality of flexible plastic webportions connecting respective vanes to said aligned means forming ahinge connection therebetween; means attached to each of said vanes formanually rotating the plurality of vanes in unison on said hingeconnections relative to said frame about a second axis normal to saidfirst axis; and a molded thin web portion forming a hinge integrallypivotally connecting said first frame with said second frame whereby oneof said frames can be folded within the other positioning the respectivepluralities of vanes adjacent each other for controlling air flow inseparate planes.

2. A compound air register of one-piece molded plastic materialconstruction of the type controlling the flow of air in both verticaland horizontal planes comprising; a first frame member including sideand end portions; a plurality of oppositely aligned inwardly extendinghinge blocks on the side portions of said first frame member; aplurality of vanes integrally molded between said side members forming afirst vane set; a plurality of flexible plastic web portions connectingrespective vanes of the vane set to respective said aligned hinge blocksforming a hinge connection therebetween; a gang bar having a handle andbeing attached to each of said vanes for manually rotating the pluralityof vanes in unison on said hinge connections relative to said firstframe about a first axis, said vanes each having a plurality of spaced Vnotches in their upper surfaces, a second frame member including sideand end portions; a plurality of aligned inwardly extending hinge blockson one of said end portions; a pair of inwardly extending hinge blocksintegrally connected with the other end portion of said second framemember; a gang bar extending parallel to the other of said end portionsand having spaced hinge blocks extending outwardly thereof; web portionsconnecting the outwardly extending hinge blocks of said gang bar withsaid pair of hinge blocks connected to said other end portion; aplurality of spaced inwardly extending hinge blocks secured to said gangbar; a plurality of vanes integrally molded between said gang bar andsaid plurality of hinge blocks on one said end portion forming a secondvane set, web portions connecting the vanes with the gang bar hingeblocks and the plurality of hinge blocks on the one of said endportions; each vane in said second set having aligned V notches formedin their lower surfaces in alignment with the V notches in the uppersurfaces of the vanes of said first set; and a web portion integrallyconnecting said first and second frames whereby the one may be foldedwithin the other and the V notches in the respective vanes coincide witheach other providing a pivotal point for the respective vanes, said gangbars in each vane set being capable of manual actuation to pivot thevanes and direct the air in the respective vertical and horizontalplanes as desired.

3. A compound air register of one-piece molded plastic materialconstruction of the type controlling the flow of air in both verticaland horizontal planes comprising; a first frame member including sideand end portions; a plurality of oppositely aligned inwardly extendinghinge blocks on the side portions of said first frame member; aplurality of vanes integrally molded between said side members forming avane set; a plurality of flexible plastic web portions connectingrespective vanes to respective said aligned hinge blocks forming a hingeconnection therebetween; a gang bar having a handle and being attachedto each of said vanes for manually rotating the plurality of vanes inunison on said hinge connections relative to said first frame about afirst axis, said vanes each having a plurality of spaced V notches intheir upper surfaces in alignment with the like notches in the remainingvanes; a second frame member including side and end portions; aplurality of aligned inwardly extending projections on one of said endportions; a pair of inwardly extending hinge blocks integrally connectedwith the other end portion of said second frame member; a gang barextending parallel to the other of said end portions and having spacedhinge blocks extending outwardly thereof; web portions connecting theoutwardly extending hinge blocks secured to said gang bar; web portionsconnecting the vanes with the gang bar hinge blocks and the plurality ofhinge blocks on the one of said end portions; each vane of the pluralityin said second frame having V notches formed in their lower surfaces; aplate member secured adjacent one end of said first frame member; saidplate member having spaced notches in one edge there; friction wheelsattached to a vane in said plurality of vanes in said first frame; saidfriction wheels being aligned with and received in said notchesproviding frictional resistance to the pivotal movement of the vanes insaid first frame retaining them in an adjusted position; and a webportion integrally connecting said first and second frames whereby theone may be folded within the other and the V notches in the respectivevanes coincide with each other providing a pivotal point for therespective vanes, said gang bars in each vane set being capable ofmanual actuation to pivot the vanes and direct the air in the respectivevertical and horizontal planes as desired.

1. A compound air register of one piece molded plastic materialconstruction of the type controlling the flow of air in both verticaland horizontal planes comprising: a first frame member including sideand end portions; a plurality of oppositely aligned means on the sideportions of said first frame member; a plurality of vanes integrallymolded between said side members forming a vane set; a plurality offlexible plastic web portions connecting respective vanes to saidaligned means forming a hinge connection therebetween; means attached toeach of said vanes for manually rotating the plurality of vanes inunison on said hinge connections relative to said first frame about afirst axis; a second frame member including side and end portions; aplurality of oppositely aligned means on the end portions of said secondframe member; a plurality of vanes integrally molded between said endmembers also forming a vane set; a plurality of flexible plastic webportions connecting respective vanes to said aligned means forming ahinge connection therebetween; means attached to each of said vanes formanually rotating the plurality of vanes in unison on said hingeconnections relative to said frame about a second axis normal to saidfirst axis; and a molded thin web portion forming a hinge integrallypivotally connecting said first frame with said second frame whereby oneof said frames can be folded within the other positioning the respectivepluralities of vanes adjacent each other for controlling air flow inseparate planes.
 2. A compound air register of one-piece molded plasticmaterial construction of the type controlling the flow of air in bothvertical and horizontal planes comprising; a first frame memberincluding side and end portions; a plurality of oppositely alignedinwardly extending hinge blocks on the side portions of said first framemember; a plurality of vanes integrally molded between said side membersforming a first vane set; a plurality of flexible plastic web portionsconnecting respective vanes of the vane set to respective said alignedhinge blocks forming a hinge connection therebetween; a gang bar havinga handle and being attached to each of said vanes for manually rotatingthe plurality of vanes in unison on said hinge connections relative tosaid first frame about a first axis, said vanes each having a pluralityof spaced V notches in their upper surfaces, a second frame memberincluding side and end portions; a plurality of aligned inwardlyextending hinge blocks on one of said end portions; a pair of inwardlyextending hinge blocks integrally connected with the other end portionof said second frame member; a gang bar extending parallel to the otherof said end portions and having spaced hinge blocks extending outwardlythereof; web portions connecting the outwardly extending hinge blocks ofsaid gang bar with said pair of hinge blocks connected to said other endportion; a plurality of spaced inwardly extending hinge blocks securedto said gang bar; a plurality of vanes integrally molded between saidgang bar and said plurality of hinge blocks on one said end portionforming a second vane set, web portions connecting the vanes with thegang bar hinge blocks and the plurality of hinge blocks on the one ofsaid end portions; each vane in said second set having aligned V notchesformed in their lower surfaces in alignment with the V notches in theupper surfaces of the vanes of said first set; and a web portionintegrally connecting said first and second frames whereby the one maybe folded within the other and the V notches in the respective vanescoiNcide with each other providing a pivotal point for the respectivevanes, said gang bars in each vane set being capable of manual actuationto pivot the vanes and direct the air in the respective vertical andhorizontal planes as desired.
 3. A compound air register of one-piecemolded plastic material construction of the type controlling the flow ofair in both vertical and horizontal planes comprising; a first framemember including side and end portions; a plurality of oppositelyaligned inwardly extending hinge blocks on the side portions of saidfirst frame member; a plurality of vanes integrally molded between saidside members forming a vane set; a plurality of flexible plastic webportions connecting respective vanes to respective said aligned hingeblocks forming a hinge connection therebetween; a gang bar having ahandle and being attached to each of said vanes for manually rotatingthe plurality of vanes in unison on said hinge connections relative tosaid first frame about a first axis, said vanes each having a pluralityof spaced V notches in their upper surfaces in alignment with the likenotches in the remaining vanes; a second frame member including side andend portions; a plurality of aligned inwardly extending projections onone of said end portions; a pair of inwardly extending hinge blocksintegrally connected with the other end portion of said second framemember; a gang bar extending parallel to the other of said end portionsand having spaced hinge blocks extending outwardly thereof; web portionsconnecting the outwardly extending hinge blocks secured to said gangbar; web portions connecting the vanes with the gang bar hinge blocksand the plurality of hinge blocks on the one of said end portions; eachvane of the plurality in said second frame having V notches formed intheir lower surfaces; a plate member secured adjacent one end of saidfirst frame member; said plate member having spaced notches in one edgethere; friction wheels attached to a vane in said plurality of vanes insaid first frame; said friction wheels being aligned with and receivedin said notches providing frictional resistance to the pivotal movementof the vanes in said first frame retaining them in an adjusted position;and a web portion integrally connecting said first and second frameswhereby the one may be folded within the other and the V notches in therespective vanes coincide with each other providing a pivotal point forthe respective vanes, said gang bars in each vane set being capable ofmanual actuation to pivot the vanes and direct the air in the respectivevertical and horizontal planes as desired.